t of our
visit, and said we had better also visit Lese. They think our visit will
put all straight. Motumotu, they say, is very undecided as to what to
do, but having heard that I was to visit them, put off the decision for
some time, saying, "If he comes, it will be all right, and we shall have
peace, but--" Well, they did not know. They rub noses all round, and
make for the shore, we for the harbour at the mouth of Coombes River, but
a very heavy sea running in, we prefer anchoring outside at midnight.

By five a.m. up anchor, and away to Lese. Two Naima canoes returning
from Lolo, where they had been trying to get _uros_, passed close to us.
They also are glad of the likelihood of peace and _uros_. At seven, we
got to Lese, and were met by an excited crowd, the majority armed. We
anchored a little out, and would allow no canoes alongside. I called out
for Eeka, and a very old man walked into the sea, when I went ashore and
took him by the hand. Piri and his wife followed, with part of the crew
and the Boera and Port Moresby chiefs. We were led to the village, the
crowd increasing as we went along. Piri noticing an enclosed place, went
in to see what it was, and called me to have a look. I went in, but no
women or youths followed. Inside were two large houses, with rows of
masks and hats, the latter like small canoes, about ten feet long, made
with very light wood and native cloth. On coming out I was seized by the
hand by an elderly man, who, in a towering passion, drew me on. All I
could make out was that somebody was a thief and a liar. The Boera chief
ran up, and I asked him what was wrong. "Oh, this is your friend,
Semese, the chief you gave the present to when you were last here, and he
is angry with Eeka for taking you away."

"Tell Piri to come up quickly."

"Piri, go with Eeka as your friend; give him a present as such; it is all
right. I go with Semese."

Soon squatting on the platform, wrath fled, and I had to wait to be fed.

"But, Semese, I want to press on to Motumotu and see them. I am afraid
of the weather coming on bad."

"Motumotu to-morrow, Lese to-day; you must have a pig."

"Leave the pig for another visit."

All was of no avail. A fine pig was speared, brought and laid at my
feet. Semese and the people were in the very best humour. Eeka was
delighted with Piri, and the latter had a pig presented to him. We gave
our presents, and, feeling tired, I suggested to our fr